The TIPS (Training for Intervention
Procedures) program is designed to teach servers, sellers and consumers of alcohol to
prevent intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking. Eight versions of the program
address concerns specific to different groups. The programs currently available include:
On Premise, Off Premise, Social Functions, Concessions, Casinos, University, Parents and
Workplace. All sessions are taught by certified TIPS trainers, using video and printed
materials to facilitate discussion of the course content.
Each course consists of three primary sections: Information, Skills
Training and Practice/Rehearsal. The information in each program focuses on the specific
concerns and issues for that program. For example, the TIPS for On Premise program
addresses needs specific to bars or restaurants. The TIPS for the University program
tailors the information to the needs of students and college groups.
At the end of each program, the trainer administers a multiple-choice
exam which is sent to Health Communications, Inc. for grading and record-keeping. Students
who pass the exam receive a certification card, denoting the program they were trained in,
which is valid for three years.
Following is a brief outline of the topics covered in each of the
TIPS programs.
Information
The Information Section uses a video presentation followed by
discussion to cover basic information about alcohol, its effects on people and effective
intervention strategies. Some of the topics include:
This section is designed to present a full range of information
necessary to effectively prevent alcohol-related problems. The topics cover a wide variety
of information, from physiological effects to intervention techniques to legal
responsibilities. Each program tailors the information to the specific needs and concerns
of the audience for that program.
Skills Training
This section is presented in two parts: Evaluating Cues and
Evaluating Responses. In each part, attendees are asked to view a short video scene, rate
the scene according to a predetermined rating chart, and then explain what they saw in the
scene and why they rated it the way they did. The purpose of this section is to develop
participants' abilities to assess behavior and intoxication levels in others, and then
determine appropriate responses to handle the situation.
In each part, participants watch
the first set of vignettes and discuss them as a group. They then rate an additional set
of vignettes as a Self-Test and compare their ratings to the ones given by the program.
The emphasis in this section is not necessarily for everyone to get the same rating, but
to be able to justify the rating they chose based on what they saw in the vignette.
Practice/Rehearsal
This is the most important section of the program. Participants take
the information and skills they have learned in the course so far and put them to use
right away. Through role-playing exercises, participants demonstrate their ability to
effectively intervene in difficult alcohol-related situations, using the guidelines and
strategies they have learned in the program. Participants are encouraged to use past
experiences for the exercise, or to choose a sample situation from the list provided in
their manuals. Students receive feedback from both the certified trainer and the other
participants on the intervention technique they use in the situation. The
Practice/Rehearsal section allows participants to discover and develop their own skills
and confidence to intervene.
For more information on Tips training in the Fremont County region please contact ASAP
ASAP
818 South Federal Rm 600
Riverton, Wyoming 82501
307-856-9596
E-mail fcasap@wyoming.com